      |
| With Jhonatan and Louisa - up the mountain overseeing Accra, in the Ghana University! |
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| Sussan [Sierra Leone], AFS secretary |
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| Ediite :) |
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| Aburi Botanic Garden - worth a visit! |
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| Pineapple plant!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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| Aburi Botanic Garden |
Friday 26 November 2010
Some photos from life in Ghana
Monday 22 November 2010
Ghana is bad for my ears.
There is nothing to eat in my fridge, apart from sachets of gin and jar of tomato-peeper sauce. I made a tea to fill me up and between the sounds of TV on my left and church evening pray coming from my right, I am trying to concentrate and write couple of reasonable lines to make sense.
The church is so loud, that I might consider moving away for this week, just because it will be going on every evening this week - loud and clear!!!
It is ok to preach and pray, to go to church and believe, but I do have a problem with the screaming - singing - 'music' being played so loud, that everyone in the neighborhood is forced to listen. [Partly the problem being the lack of windows in Ghana. All they have here is glass shades and a net and bars, but nothing that would keep the dust, rain water (if shades are not put down) or sound coming in and out of the room]. One would think this is a reason why even more precaution should be done when being so super loud, but not in Ghana. Here everything and everyone is loud. If music is played in the bar -then so loud, that you can not have a conversation, if a party goes on and music is played, then so loud that you cant really hear the lyrics... if you wanna sell something on the streets, you use loud speaker and announce your message. And this happed every 100m on some busy streets, like Circle, for example.
So it is nice to go to Togo for a weekend and listen in quietness, even in Tema [ a city about 30km from Accra] one can find a quite spot. It is nice to listen to quietness... oh, and change the rhythm of the music. :)
Other than that - I love Ghana, my body loves Ghana...just if you could, please, be more thoughtful with my ears! :)
Home feeling in Ghana. Still looking.
Hey ya, has been a long time since my last entry and as all of you might have noticed, I have gotten more lazy in comparison with the first weeks. Well, it is natural. I think all my diaries have full 1st pages and as the experience grows, the time between the entries also grows. I could try to promise that it will not repeat, but lets be real - it is Africa and things happen by God's Grace! :)
Last evening I spent with my friend watching TV and particularly enjoyed the show 'Who wants to be rich?' [yeah, I guess in Ghana a million is too much to offer cause the questions are ridiculously easy, so they go for less and call it RICH]. Apart from the regular questions being very easy, it was great to find out some interesting things about Ghana in the process, like the fact that their current constitution was approved in 1994 and they money was denominated in 2007 [thou people still refer to 50ps as 500 and 3Cds as 3000]. It was also great for the fact that it was great home feeling - lying in a big bed, eating take away Ghanaian food, giggling over the TV show and drinking Black Balsam [ yeah, I got a package from Latvia and it also have a BIG BLACK BALSAM in it!!!]
The conclusion of the evening is - I NEED HOME here in Ghana! A place where I can stay in bed, walk around naked, eat from pots and sing in shower [thou I never do that, or do I ?].
Last evening I spent with my friend watching TV and particularly enjoyed the show 'Who wants to be rich?' [yeah, I guess in Ghana a million is too much to offer cause the questions are ridiculously easy, so they go for less and call it RICH]. Apart from the regular questions being very easy, it was great to find out some interesting things about Ghana in the process, like the fact that their current constitution was approved in 1994 and they money was denominated in 2007 [thou people still refer to 50ps as 500 and 3Cds as 3000]. It was also great for the fact that it was great home feeling - lying in a big bed, eating take away Ghanaian food, giggling over the TV show and drinking Black Balsam [ yeah, I got a package from Latvia and it also have a BIG BLACK BALSAM in it!!!]
The conclusion of the evening is - I NEED HOME here in Ghana! A place where I can stay in bed, walk around naked, eat from pots and sing in shower [thou I never do that, or do I ?].
Tuesday 16 November 2010
Happy and sad.
I have totally lost count of time. I do not have the sensation that Christmas is around the corner and that somewhere people are enjoying winter joys. Miraculously I have gotten in some sort of daily life, that manages to keep me busy for the morning to late evening.
Friday 12 November 2010
How life in Ghana didn't quite turned out to be what I had expected.
Some of you might now that it I came to Ghana with an idea in my mind, that I would start to work here as from February 2011, but, unfortunately, that plan fell apart on my 3rd week here and ever since I have been stressing myself out by the fact that I need to find a job ASAP. And find a job in Ghana!
After the initial - let's get to know Ghana - period, where the only worry is to care about the basic things of food, roof and fun, comes the REALITY check of needing to find a place to live in and set the daily life routine, which also involves planning carefully the transport expenses, food shopping etc.
And finally, Ghana didn't turn out to be just yet another backpacker's destination, being ok with my 40kg of life I brought with me. There have been so many formal outgoings, that my only two pairs of dressy shoes are worn out and definably not enough dresses with me. I am as concern about my looks and appearance here as I was in Latvia. Not something I would have guessed... :)
Thou the good news are : after less than two months into the adventure, I am referring to this as LIFE!
After the initial - let's get to know Ghana - period, where the only worry is to care about the basic things of food, roof and fun, comes the REALITY check of needing to find a place to live in and set the daily life routine, which also involves planning carefully the transport expenses, food shopping etc.
And finally, Ghana didn't turn out to be just yet another backpacker's destination, being ok with my 40kg of life I brought with me. There have been so many formal outgoings, that my only two pairs of dressy shoes are worn out and definably not enough dresses with me. I am as concern about my looks and appearance here as I was in Latvia. Not something I would have guessed... :)
Thou the good news are : after less than two months into the adventure, I am referring to this as LIFE!
Monday 8 November 2010
Crap week, good week!
So yeah, we all have our good days and bad days. The same even apply for good weeks, months and years! There is a healthy balance in the universe, which sometimes we dislike (after all - who likes to be unhappy?), but then the good times are twice as good. Just like a crappy meal when you are hungry - tastes a whole lot better, right? :P
Last week was bit crappy for me. Got a bit ill, had to go to see a Dr and go through the experience of an idiot poking my veins, which resulted in me NOT GIVING the blood test. I also got super bored, since things with AFS are not moving anywhere and job that could have been done and over by now, is still...pending. Started to look for a job and this process isnt the most self-esteem supporting and optimistic, as there are few ads that meet my needs and companies, whose needs I can meet! So adding all that together and topping it up with 2 nights with last minute changes in plans, a home that doesnt feel like home... well, you get the picture! Ediite had her crap week!
And on those days, weeks - we tend to see EVERYTHING in darker colors. I, personally, pick fights for no reason, bitch and comment about things, see the bad rather than the good things. I also complained that I do not have friends here in Ghana yet. You know - those people whom I can call up at these situations and know that they will be by my side and moan with me. And well, we might not have quite reached that stage, but for sure - I have friends that care about me!
Today alone, sitting here on my sofa this morning, I got two phone calls from people in Ghana - just to check on me and wish me a great week! I mean, come on, doesnt that count as a GREAT started of a week!? Doesnt a fact that a friend comes over and cooks you lunch on Sunday, counts as a BEST FRIEND? And after meeting a new couple and the woman inviting you over for her aqua aerobics classes on Thursday for free and after I can enjoy laying around the pool in the sun!? Doesnt that all count as great start of yet another WONDERFUL week!?
So to conclude - this is my attempt and manifesto, that this week is going to be great! We will find the house that is going to be OUR HOME, I will get the job that will make me feel smart, needed and meanful every day and I will have the best time of the week with my loved on! Oh, and I will leave Accra at least twice this week! :)
Whats on your TO DO LIST this week, people?!
Last week was bit crappy for me. Got a bit ill, had to go to see a Dr and go through the experience of an idiot poking my veins, which resulted in me NOT GIVING the blood test. I also got super bored, since things with AFS are not moving anywhere and job that could have been done and over by now, is still...pending. Started to look for a job and this process isnt the most self-esteem supporting and optimistic, as there are few ads that meet my needs and companies, whose needs I can meet! So adding all that together and topping it up with 2 nights with last minute changes in plans, a home that doesnt feel like home... well, you get the picture! Ediite had her crap week!
And on those days, weeks - we tend to see EVERYTHING in darker colors. I, personally, pick fights for no reason, bitch and comment about things, see the bad rather than the good things. I also complained that I do not have friends here in Ghana yet. You know - those people whom I can call up at these situations and know that they will be by my side and moan with me. And well, we might not have quite reached that stage, but for sure - I have friends that care about me!
Today alone, sitting here on my sofa this morning, I got two phone calls from people in Ghana - just to check on me and wish me a great week! I mean, come on, doesnt that count as a GREAT started of a week!? Doesnt a fact that a friend comes over and cooks you lunch on Sunday, counts as a BEST FRIEND? And after meeting a new couple and the woman inviting you over for her aqua aerobics classes on Thursday for free and after I can enjoy laying around the pool in the sun!? Doesnt that all count as great start of yet another WONDERFUL week!?
So to conclude - this is my attempt and manifesto, that this week is going to be great! We will find the house that is going to be OUR HOME, I will get the job that will make me feel smart, needed and meanful every day and I will have the best time of the week with my loved on! Oh, and I will leave Accra at least twice this week! :)
Whats on your TO DO LIST this week, people?!
Thursday 4 November 2010
Happiest part of the day.
Some of you already know that I have met my special One here and he colors my days in all the colors of rainbow! And my happiest moments of the day are those, when the clock hits 5pm...and I know that quite soon it is time to get my ass off the chair in front of my PC at the office in Adabraka and go down to Asylum Down, where I will meet Him for a drink. My happiest moments of the day, the walk downhill, when it seems that the whole world is smiling at you and wishing you a wonderful life! It is when the butterflies start to fly in my stomach again!
So I am off... :)
So I am off... :)
Wednesday 3 November 2010
Quiet night in.
All I can hear in my living room at 8pm are people clapping at the near by church, grasshoppers singing their evening song and traffic somewhere far away. Had a shower 2h ago, but am sweating again - might need to take another one just before bedtime. It is crazy how humid the air is here, happy I made the curls before moving here, as I would have my natural, wild curls all the time anyhow!
Today is a rare night, when I stayed in. Have been home most of the day and was sort of looking forward to leave the house, but instead also thought that it would be OK to be on my own for a while and remind myself about the good old times when I was able to entertain myself for days, weeks... somehow now, it seems that I need people around, well one specific person. Yet even us - need breaks and a day off, it is just healthy!
Spoke to mom today, sounds like my little brother is growing up by days and fulfills his role of 17 year old, good looking guy quite well! Of-course, I would wish that it didn't give mom the headache, but it is all part of parenthood, I guess.
Darn, just did the mistake of putting my dinner pineapple ball next to me on the sofa and guess who is eating it now - some giant, harmless ants! Yeah, I still owe you a blog about the concept of clean here and how my standards have lowered quite a bit! For instance - I just fished the ant out and gave it a lecture and carried on with my dinner! Plain yogurt and pineapple - all natural goodies! :)
So TV and early bed time it is!
Today is a rare night, when I stayed in. Have been home most of the day and was sort of looking forward to leave the house, but instead also thought that it would be OK to be on my own for a while and remind myself about the good old times when I was able to entertain myself for days, weeks... somehow now, it seems that I need people around, well one specific person. Yet even us - need breaks and a day off, it is just healthy!
Spoke to mom today, sounds like my little brother is growing up by days and fulfills his role of 17 year old, good looking guy quite well! Of-course, I would wish that it didn't give mom the headache, but it is all part of parenthood, I guess.
Darn, just did the mistake of putting my dinner pineapple ball next to me on the sofa and guess who is eating it now - some giant, harmless ants! Yeah, I still owe you a blog about the concept of clean here and how my standards have lowered quite a bit! For instance - I just fished the ant out and gave it a lecture and carried on with my dinner! Plain yogurt and pineapple - all natural goodies! :)
So TV and early bed time it is!
Tuesday 2 November 2010
November already.
I cant believe, it is November 1st and only few weeks left till Christmas! I would not have mentioned this, if only I hadn't heard the song 'Let it snow, let it snow...' being played in a shopping mall! Quite surreal song for a country with average t being +30 and 90% of population never having experienced snow!
Friday 29 October 2010
Surreal colonialism left overs.
[When you read this blog, imagine me telling this with a shock in my face and voice! Worried, confused and overly emotional/concern about the issue!]
I have already mentioned the monthly Expat meetings organised by accraexpats.com, I went to the 1st meeting about a month ago and now was the time for the 2nd meeting! And gosh, this time it was bigger, more diverse and for me personally also rather fruitful. Nevertheless, some of the conversations I had last night made me wanna run out of the place and scream into the night! I needed some BIG DASH of LOCAL!
I met this elderly British man, who was very cheerful and has this very typical British sense of humor, that I love. He has been here for over 20 years and after having a conversation of him for about 20min, me and my friend Louisa were just rolling eyes and blinking, not being able quite grasp the contradictions he is verbalizing. He spoke all about how expats should keep together and help each other, how one should not be close friends with Ghanaians and most of the time one will not find a close friend in Ghana, as it is all about money at the end of the night. Expatriates are not like that. How Ghanaians are not helpful, unless you pay them... [WTF?!!!!!!! WHERE HAVE U LIVED, DUDE!?] At the same time, he spoke about how he loves Ghana and he would not be here unless it wasn't so great, relaxed and safe! He spoke about how welcoming and peaceful Ghanaians are, allowing whites to experience their country and culture.
Latter that night I walked up to two couples, who have been hanging together the whole night and not really interacting with anyone else. And had yet another of my BRITISH moments [my dear British friends, have nothing against you, but some of my UK experiences had developed a certain 'love' against the typical-city-Brit]. The two men in the group both work for some big construction company and their wife and gf are stay at home women [the one couple was in early 20ties and the other one in early 50ties]. When asked what do they do, they responded that they do keep themselves buys by cooking lunch and playing card games on Friday, going to aerobics on Wednesday and luckily they have satellite at home they can watch. It didnt sound like they engage much into the local life, nor that they seek out to meet new people even at the expat party. And it would be ok for someone who is older and perhaps isnt as open minded, but one would think that the kids from 80ties and 90ties are bit more open minded and adventurous, well no, they are not!
And yes, you can cross the continents and find home in another country and still your old lifestyle like back at home... but the question is - why dont you just stay home?! I still do not get it! I dont!?
Why would you make some other country your home and still pity the local people, judge them and find it wrong to blend with them. In fact, you should be bending down in front of them for allowing you to be in their country, to be accepted, to see their culture and life. And if you find it too scary, then, perhaps, you should just stay home and watch discovery channel.
I am not worried that I will ever turn in one of them, in fact I have the perfect balance of local life, local friends and local family, along with that of my own back ground, ability to blend with everyone and at all occasions. Thou a 25 year old Ghanaian that speaks English and is proud of his heritage is more likely to become my friend, that a 25 year old expat that is too proud of his own heritage that is afraid to learn of a new culture!
I have already mentioned the monthly Expat meetings organised by accraexpats.com, I went to the 1st meeting about a month ago and now was the time for the 2nd meeting! And gosh, this time it was bigger, more diverse and for me personally also rather fruitful. Nevertheless, some of the conversations I had last night made me wanna run out of the place and scream into the night! I needed some BIG DASH of LOCAL!
I met this elderly British man, who was very cheerful and has this very typical British sense of humor, that I love. He has been here for over 20 years and after having a conversation of him for about 20min, me and my friend Louisa were just rolling eyes and blinking, not being able quite grasp the contradictions he is verbalizing. He spoke all about how expats should keep together and help each other, how one should not be close friends with Ghanaians and most of the time one will not find a close friend in Ghana, as it is all about money at the end of the night. Expatriates are not like that. How Ghanaians are not helpful, unless you pay them... [WTF?!!!!!!! WHERE HAVE U LIVED, DUDE!?] At the same time, he spoke about how he loves Ghana and he would not be here unless it wasn't so great, relaxed and safe! He spoke about how welcoming and peaceful Ghanaians are, allowing whites to experience their country and culture.
Latter that night I walked up to two couples, who have been hanging together the whole night and not really interacting with anyone else. And had yet another of my BRITISH moments [my dear British friends, have nothing against you, but some of my UK experiences had developed a certain 'love' against the typical-city-Brit]. The two men in the group both work for some big construction company and their wife and gf are stay at home women [the one couple was in early 20ties and the other one in early 50ties]. When asked what do they do, they responded that they do keep themselves buys by cooking lunch and playing card games on Friday, going to aerobics on Wednesday and luckily they have satellite at home they can watch. It didnt sound like they engage much into the local life, nor that they seek out to meet new people even at the expat party. And it would be ok for someone who is older and perhaps isnt as open minded, but one would think that the kids from 80ties and 90ties are bit more open minded and adventurous, well no, they are not!
And yes, you can cross the continents and find home in another country and still your old lifestyle like back at home... but the question is - why dont you just stay home?! I still do not get it! I dont!?
Why would you make some other country your home and still pity the local people, judge them and find it wrong to blend with them. In fact, you should be bending down in front of them for allowing you to be in their country, to be accepted, to see their culture and life. And if you find it too scary, then, perhaps, you should just stay home and watch discovery channel.
I am not worried that I will ever turn in one of them, in fact I have the perfect balance of local life, local friends and local family, along with that of my own back ground, ability to blend with everyone and at all occasions. Thou a 25 year old Ghanaian that speaks English and is proud of his heritage is more likely to become my friend, that a 25 year old expat that is too proud of his own heritage that is afraid to learn of a new culture!
Tuesday 26 October 2010
Different happy.
Despite the fact who you are and what you have, we all our own wishes for ourselves and our loved ones. Our parents want the best for us, they want us to be happy and in harmony, they no do not want us to suffer. Our loved ones are the same - they want us happy, loved and loving. Our friends want us to be happy. And at the end of the night... what ever one human is doing, it is his attempt to be happy. It is natural for a human being to want to be happy.
Thou we all face some clashes, we all fight, we all get disappointed, we all miss and long for more. Cause each of us have a different understanding of the terminology - HAPPY. Our parents 'happy' is different from that of our own 'happy', our kids will have a different 'happy'.
I am blessed, cause I am happy. Every day and most of the day. Happy = blessed, loved, cared for, spoiled with options, choices and chances. I AM HAPPY - EVERY DAY, MOST OF THE DAY!
And do not get me wrong - I still get disappointed, I still am hurt at times, I still do not always get what I want and I still cry at times, but it is part of my 'happy'. It is all part of it! My 'happy' has the whole rainbow of emotions.
I believe in myself and my destiny - everything happens for a reason!
I love.
Thou we all face some clashes, we all fight, we all get disappointed, we all miss and long for more. Cause each of us have a different understanding of the terminology - HAPPY. Our parents 'happy' is different from that of our own 'happy', our kids will have a different 'happy'.
I am blessed, cause I am happy. Every day and most of the day. Happy = blessed, loved, cared for, spoiled with options, choices and chances. I AM HAPPY - EVERY DAY, MOST OF THE DAY!
And do not get me wrong - I still get disappointed, I still am hurt at times, I still do not always get what I want and I still cry at times, but it is part of my 'happy'. It is all part of it! My 'happy' has the whole rainbow of emotions.
I believe in myself and my destiny - everything happens for a reason!
I love.
Sunday 24 October 2010
Sunday feeling in Ghana.
This Sunday morning I woke up in a nice beach side hotel and experienced breakfast in bed and a proper Sunday sleep in [checking out exactly at noon :) ]. And that is what I call Sunday morning. Who said that in Ghana and Africa life for me is harsh - I am enjoying it more than I used to do in Latvia or anywhere else!
Despite the fact that the guy at the reception was total idiot and did not know how to make a bill, I enjoyed my stay at the HOLIDAY IN Beach Resort in Kakrobite this weekend.
My noon was filled with more lazy activities, like having a glass of fresh pineapple juice in the beach bar, a swim in the ocean, some sun and delicious lunch [my fav - bean stew with fried plantain] at the Big Milly's place [a very known back-packers's place in Ghana]. It was short, but it was slow and enjoyable couple of hours before I was driven home.
The drive itself took some 45mins, but the surreal feeling from it still hasnt left me. The radio played 80ties and 90ties slow hits, some jazz and country music, my window was open and hair still salty from the swim in the ocean. Over the small village huts, I could see the ocean just 200 yards from us and the road that takes us home. There were fishermen coming out of the sea and looking at the catch, there were little children playing on the road side, a woman with shinny Chinese umbrella used to cover her from the sun. There were birds and green grass along the road, palms on he beach... and once seen in the real life, seeing the things I left out in this description, one would most likely have it hard to believe that these place are the same. Yet it is what you see amongst the other things. I see the beauty of Ghana, the beauty of my life and love I have!
Already miss the beach...
Despite the fact that the guy at the reception was total idiot and did not know how to make a bill, I enjoyed my stay at the HOLIDAY IN Beach Resort in Kakrobite this weekend.
My noon was filled with more lazy activities, like having a glass of fresh pineapple juice in the beach bar, a swim in the ocean, some sun and delicious lunch [my fav - bean stew with fried plantain] at the Big Milly's place [a very known back-packers's place in Ghana]. It was short, but it was slow and enjoyable couple of hours before I was driven home.
The drive itself took some 45mins, but the surreal feeling from it still hasnt left me. The radio played 80ties and 90ties slow hits, some jazz and country music, my window was open and hair still salty from the swim in the ocean. Over the small village huts, I could see the ocean just 200 yards from us and the road that takes us home. There were fishermen coming out of the sea and looking at the catch, there were little children playing on the road side, a woman with shinny Chinese umbrella used to cover her from the sun. There were birds and green grass along the road, palms on he beach... and once seen in the real life, seeing the things I left out in this description, one would most likely have it hard to believe that these place are the same. Yet it is what you see amongst the other things. I see the beauty of Ghana, the beauty of my life and love I have!
Already miss the beach...
Thursday 21 October 2010
The dress.
In couple of days I am invited to attend a traditional ceremony here and despite the fact that I knew this almost 3 weeks ago, there are some issues with my outfit.
a. I do not have an appropriate outfit in my closet with me;
b. I do not know what is appropriate for such ceremony;
c. I can not find anything in the shops to buy;
So I thought that it would be a great reason to finally make something at one of the local talyors. Task Nr1 - choosing a material, that is nice and will look good on me. This particular bit kept me busy for about an hour on my weekend in Kumasi two weeks ago. Task Nr2 - is to find a tailor that actually cares about how you look in the final outfit. So my landlady and house-mate directed me to the one behind the wall of our yard! Right next door, good quality and result, apparently!
And after I have good through all these troubles...Mr B politely points out that material I got would not look all that great on me, wouldn't bring my natural beauty to attention. I laugh and say that it is too late for any changes - dress is about to be ready. He insists on buying a nice dress. After a day of shopping in the capital, we give up and after few drinks in a local bar, the night results with him calling some smart-ass designer and asking for a HUGE favor - to make me a dress in 48h [this all happens about 4 days before the ceremony]. I still try to argue with him, but pointless. I am accepting the grand gesture and keep sipping my drink.
The next day, some good sounding guys gives me a call to find out where I am and where he could take my measurements....it turns into him chasing after me through the city, till he finally spots me down at an open air concert at about 7pm. I excuse myself from my table and go and see the guy that does the magic! He looks at me, takes some measurement and pulls out a beautiful green-golden fabric and mumbles something about a simple, beautiful dress....
On day three, I am woken up from my nap with a call, asking where should he meet me so that I can try the dress on! [Note - between taking the measurements and the call it has been one night and a morning, so about 16h] So few hours I get another call with request to open my gate. Mr B and the tailor are here with ready made dress!!!
The result is good! I would have gone for something wilder, but also classic is great! heheh And funny enough, my other dress was ready too... they both saw it and Mr B admitted that he was wrong and I look astonishing! :) As a result - I have two BEAUTIFUL dresses and am off to get me some new shoes tomorrow morning!
Viva la vida in Ghana!
a. I do not have an appropriate outfit in my closet with me;
b. I do not know what is appropriate for such ceremony;
c. I can not find anything in the shops to buy;
So I thought that it would be a great reason to finally make something at one of the local talyors. Task Nr1 - choosing a material, that is nice and will look good on me. This particular bit kept me busy for about an hour on my weekend in Kumasi two weeks ago. Task Nr2 - is to find a tailor that actually cares about how you look in the final outfit. So my landlady and house-mate directed me to the one behind the wall of our yard! Right next door, good quality and result, apparently!
And after I have good through all these troubles...Mr B politely points out that material I got would not look all that great on me, wouldn't bring my natural beauty to attention. I laugh and say that it is too late for any changes - dress is about to be ready. He insists on buying a nice dress. After a day of shopping in the capital, we give up and after few drinks in a local bar, the night results with him calling some smart-ass designer and asking for a HUGE favor - to make me a dress in 48h [this all happens about 4 days before the ceremony]. I still try to argue with him, but pointless. I am accepting the grand gesture and keep sipping my drink.
The next day, some good sounding guys gives me a call to find out where I am and where he could take my measurements....it turns into him chasing after me through the city, till he finally spots me down at an open air concert at about 7pm. I excuse myself from my table and go and see the guy that does the magic! He looks at me, takes some measurement and pulls out a beautiful green-golden fabric and mumbles something about a simple, beautiful dress....
On day three, I am woken up from my nap with a call, asking where should he meet me so that I can try the dress on! [Note - between taking the measurements and the call it has been one night and a morning, so about 16h] So few hours I get another call with request to open my gate. Mr B and the tailor are here with ready made dress!!!
The result is good! I would have gone for something wilder, but also classic is great! heheh And funny enough, my other dress was ready too... they both saw it and Mr B admitted that he was wrong and I look astonishing! :) As a result - I have two BEAUTIFUL dresses and am off to get me some new shoes tomorrow morning!
Viva la vida in Ghana!
Wednesday 20 October 2010
My first break down in Ghana.
Yesterday was my first breakdown, my first realy-sheck! It has been a month since I am away from Latvia, magically this time I feel like refering to it as home. I was feeling all super weird the whole day and didnt sleep well the night before. 24h of self-pitty and weeping. And it is normal, it is not the first time and I know that such days happen and some more will come.
In such days, I remove myself from the active social life, dive in the crowd and do some retail theraphy. Spoil myself with food and, perhaps, a movie. So yesterday, I left home without really knowing where I am going. Went to the touristy centre of Accra, browsed some shops and bought couple of things, like a recycled material purse and trousers for myself. As for food, I spent fortune and got myself some Gauda cheese and pickled limes [indian food] along with marshmellos [that were my breakfast mates on Wednesday, along with a big mug of coffee and my first tropical rain storm behind the window].
And somewhere between feeling confused, alone, displaced, I hopped in a tro-tro and after 45 minutes spent in traffic, I found myself in front of the Accra Mall – also known as the Expat meeting place, the Western shopping place, night club and cinema. This is also the place, where you would find the supermarket ‘SHOPRITE’ that impressed me on my 2nd weekend in town.
Ignoring the fact that I was 15min late, I still gave it a go and went to see a movie [things start late in Ghana], I finally saw ‘EAT.PRAY.LOVE.’ and loved it. Despite the fact that entire movie I would compare and try to recognise bits and pieces from the book, trying to find differences, I loved the scenes, the nature, the places... all of it! And while I felt like my Sunday lunch in Plienciems before going away was similar to her Thanks giving dinner in Italy, and London being my India [retail and art therephy being my meditation], I definatelly think that Ghana is my Bali. I am here after months of wanting to be here. I came with an empty mind, ready for universe to rush in and fill all the empty space in my mind. I am taking the adventure and what ever comes my way.
Yes, sometimes it is overwhelming and sometimes it will be hard, but when after days of disliking this place and then getting an instant click that this could be my new home, you have to follow your heart and give it a go. My dog days are over...I am here to live!
Thank you, Ghana, for welcoming me the way you have!
Friday 15 October 2010
Beauty treatments/standarts in Ghana.
This week, like very 3rd week in my life for the past many years, I needed to do my waxing appointment! It took a while to figure out weather something like that is done here in Ghana and where! After some research, chatting to my girl friends here and some more expatriates, I went to the local sport center that also has a beauty treatment room and got it all over done with! I will not get into the details about the actually appointment, but will discuss the concept of beauty in Ghana.
Apparently, people do not tend to wax in Ghana. When I told Mr B that I am going for my waxing appointment and cant quite meet him yet, he cracked up in laughter and asked if I had ever seen a Ghanaian girl waxed! To which I responded - I am white, so that is why I do it!
And after speaking to the lady at the salon, she also said that locals do their manicures and pedicures quite often [very true - u see ladies doing manicures and pedicures on every corner in this town, just like braiding the hair], but not waxing!
The next beauty treatment I got to experience was hair cutting! Not for me thou! Local guys, when their hair reaches the length of about 3mm, feel itchy and feel like getting a hair cut! So this morning Mr B went it to do his hair and I got to witness that!
First of all - on the price list, the men's cut is 3Cds, but for whites it is 6Cds. Latter I was explained, that whites have more hair! hehehe Secondly - the whole thing was hilarious! Basically he was shaved. TOTALLY SHAVED and then the man put some talk on his scalp and hair spray, so that it shines! HAIR SPRAY!!!!!!!!!!!! I cracked out in laughter at the salon and everyone was telling me that it is not my kind of hair spray, but the whole idea of spraying a bold head.. just funny!
Oh, and if we speak about the beauty standards - then I am beautiful here! VERRRRRRRRY BEAUTIFUL. My skin, hair and body lines - this is what people here consider beautiful! So every day I walk down the street and feel beautiful! Nevertheless, honestly speaking, it is very rarely that I feel so in Latvia, surrounded by the amount of gorgeous women! And to me - loads of the black girls here, could be statues and models - they are gorgeous!
UPSIDE DOWN world and beauty standards.
Apparently, people do not tend to wax in Ghana. When I told Mr B that I am going for my waxing appointment and cant quite meet him yet, he cracked up in laughter and asked if I had ever seen a Ghanaian girl waxed! To which I responded - I am white, so that is why I do it!
And after speaking to the lady at the salon, she also said that locals do their manicures and pedicures quite often [very true - u see ladies doing manicures and pedicures on every corner in this town, just like braiding the hair], but not waxing!
The next beauty treatment I got to experience was hair cutting! Not for me thou! Local guys, when their hair reaches the length of about 3mm, feel itchy and feel like getting a hair cut! So this morning Mr B went it to do his hair and I got to witness that!
First of all - on the price list, the men's cut is 3Cds, but for whites it is 6Cds. Latter I was explained, that whites have more hair! hehehe Secondly - the whole thing was hilarious! Basically he was shaved. TOTALLY SHAVED and then the man put some talk on his scalp and hair spray, so that it shines! HAIR SPRAY!!!!!!!!!!!! I cracked out in laughter at the salon and everyone was telling me that it is not my kind of hair spray, but the whole idea of spraying a bold head.. just funny!
Oh, and if we speak about the beauty standards - then I am beautiful here! VERRRRRRRRY BEAUTIFUL. My skin, hair and body lines - this is what people here consider beautiful! So every day I walk down the street and feel beautiful! Nevertheless, honestly speaking, it is very rarely that I feel so in Latvia, surrounded by the amount of gorgeous women! And to me - loads of the black girls here, could be statues and models - they are gorgeous!
UPSIDE DOWN world and beauty standards.
Tuesday 12 October 2010
Less focus on Ghana, more on me: weekend way in Kumasi
Sorry for being gone from the space for a such a long time, simply between place under the sun, my way around and getting used to the local time planning, there is very little space left to spend in front of the PC and blogging about things! Nevertheless, there are so many moments that I would love to tell you all about - just to share some bit of the idea how randomly cool Ghana can be.
I am really falling in LOVE with Ghana on hourly base.
So this past weekend I had the chance to go away for 3 days to Kumasi, a city about 4h north of the capital. The capital of Ashanti tribe in Ghana, where their most respected king lives and also it is the capital of the biggest Ghanaian Kingdom [Note to myself : read more about the Ghana history!]
The drive to Kumasi is very good in comparison with some other roads, that I what I have been told. Nevertheless, after a long week and being stuck in the traffic for couple of hours on the way out of Accra and then finding myself in a car with an angry driver speeding a bit on a dirt roads with holes as deep as up to my knees... it is a situation that requires some prying and booze! hehehe Furthermore, it developed into a night car racing, where the road got very good [really...the past 200km were WAY BETTER done than most roads in Latvia] my driver at some points extended the speed to 150km/h! At that point I had no other chance than trust! And I really do, since the driver has kids and men with more responsibilities drive more carefully, it has been proved with a research!
So anyhow, we got to the hotel around 4am and I didn't have much time/chance to look around the place, yet found lovely continental breakfast in the morning [still no proper coffee, just instant. PLS send me some Merrild coffee!!!] and POOL! And the room had TV and hot shower!!! All you can possibly wish for after 3 weeks squatting at peoples places in various locations! 3 nights of pure peace!
My days weren't particularly very busy - went to see the match between Ghana and Sudan, yet never managed to get into the stadium due to the crowds that were around it! So we gave up 30min after trying and just watched the match from a bar. And we didnt loose much, as the match was super boring, with a result 0:0. I also wondered around the market and bought material for my dress that is yet to be sown this week. [Beg for pictures after October 24th!!!] Oh, and I tried fufu - the typical Asanti food made out of yam and butter, and then placed in some unknown liquid that has various meats in it. Including the bush meat that I tried, but added to my list of things I DO NOT LIKE. :)
Couple of epissodes from Kumasi weekend:
1. Saturday morning at 11am, Ediite in her purple bikini swimming in the pool and about 6 local, young men just sitting around the pool and watching me swim like if I was on a stage. I managed to last that for about 10 mins before I could not take the attention any more and went to back to my room.
2. Saturday afternoon I am supposed to meet a guy whoes name is PRINCE. We agree on a spot and as I am there on time and have no idea how he looks like, I stay there and smile in the sun. So a man walks up to me [just like it often happens in Ghana] and I ask - ''Are you Prince?!'' He smiles and answers 'I could be!'. This is where I understand that it is not the Prince I am looking for... My Prince was smart and called me as he approached me just to make sure I am me and show he is he!
ps. Speaking about princes... It seems that my might not be from the fairy tale - blond, blue - eyed, riding white horse... matter in fact, it looks that everything, including the horse, is black in my tale! :) hehe And I am loving it - not meeting the standards and making my own!
3. One noon we went to have fufu in some very local place, where EVERYONE eats with hands and there are no whites in the crowd. So I am served my food and for about 10mins I just stare at the brown liquid and other people around my table. I just need to observe a bit and learn how each food is consumed... after about 10min of playing around the meat in my plate and not really getting anywhere with it, I gave it to the boys at my table and moved on with the soft bit and strange looking liquid where I would dip my fufu in. At some point the lady from the place did bring me a spoon, but that would not have helped me with the meat issue. Plus I didn't want to stand out too much... so I continued with my local way of eating - RIGHT HAND! :)
ps. After such heavy foods - BLACK BALSAM is your best friend, or in this region - JEGERMAISTER will do the job! Got one small bottle at the gas station! :D
4. Driving back with a happy driver, good music and day time scenery, seeing the green all over the place, crossing the mountains and cracking up the driver by telling things like - pineapple grows in threes! [Pls help me out - for those not having been in the equatorial countries, how many of you know how does a pineapple plant look like?! Without googling it!? ]
I AM HAPPY! VERY, VERY BLESSED!
I am really falling in LOVE with Ghana on hourly base.
So this past weekend I had the chance to go away for 3 days to Kumasi, a city about 4h north of the capital. The capital of Ashanti tribe in Ghana, where their most respected king lives and also it is the capital of the biggest Ghanaian Kingdom [Note to myself : read more about the Ghana history!]
The drive to Kumasi is very good in comparison with some other roads, that I what I have been told. Nevertheless, after a long week and being stuck in the traffic for couple of hours on the way out of Accra and then finding myself in a car with an angry driver speeding a bit on a dirt roads with holes as deep as up to my knees... it is a situation that requires some prying and booze! hehehe Furthermore, it developed into a night car racing, where the road got very good [really...the past 200km were WAY BETTER done than most roads in Latvia] my driver at some points extended the speed to 150km/h! At that point I had no other chance than trust! And I really do, since the driver has kids and men with more responsibilities drive more carefully, it has been proved with a research!So anyhow, we got to the hotel around 4am and I didn't have much time/chance to look around the place, yet found lovely continental breakfast in the morning [still no proper coffee, just instant. PLS send me some Merrild coffee!!!] and POOL! And the room had TV and hot shower!!! All you can possibly wish for after 3 weeks squatting at peoples places in various locations! 3 nights of pure peace!
My days weren't particularly very busy - went to see the match between Ghana and Sudan, yet never managed to get into the stadium due to the crowds that were around it! So we gave up 30min after trying and just watched the match from a bar. And we didnt loose much, as the match was super boring, with a result 0:0. I also wondered around the market and bought material for my dress that is yet to be sown this week. [Beg for pictures after October 24th!!!] Oh, and I tried fufu - the typical Asanti food made out of yam and butter, and then placed in some unknown liquid that has various meats in it. Including the bush meat that I tried, but added to my list of things I DO NOT LIKE. :)Couple of epissodes from Kumasi weekend:
1. Saturday morning at 11am, Ediite in her purple bikini swimming in the pool and about 6 local, young men just sitting around the pool and watching me swim like if I was on a stage. I managed to last that for about 10 mins before I could not take the attention any more and went to back to my room.
2. Saturday afternoon I am supposed to meet a guy whoes name is PRINCE. We agree on a spot and as I am there on time and have no idea how he looks like, I stay there and smile in the sun. So a man walks up to me [just like it often happens in Ghana] and I ask - ''Are you Prince?!'' He smiles and answers 'I could be!'. This is where I understand that it is not the Prince I am looking for... My Prince was smart and called me as he approached me just to make sure I am me and show he is he!
ps. Speaking about princes... It seems that my might not be from the fairy tale - blond, blue - eyed, riding white horse... matter in fact, it looks that everything, including the horse, is black in my tale! :) hehe And I am loving it - not meeting the standards and making my own!
3. One noon we went to have fufu in some very local place, where EVERYONE eats with hands and there are no whites in the crowd. So I am served my food and for about 10mins I just stare at the brown liquid and other people around my table. I just need to observe a bit and learn how each food is consumed... after about 10min of playing around the meat in my plate and not really getting anywhere with it, I gave it to the boys at my table and moved on with the soft bit and strange looking liquid where I would dip my fufu in. At some point the lady from the place did bring me a spoon, but that would not have helped me with the meat issue. Plus I didn't want to stand out too much... so I continued with my local way of eating - RIGHT HAND! :)ps. After such heavy foods - BLACK BALSAM is your best friend, or in this region - JEGERMAISTER will do the job! Got one small bottle at the gas station! :D
4. Driving back with a happy driver, good music and day time scenery, seeing the green all over the place, crossing the mountains and cracking up the driver by telling things like - pineapple grows in threes! [Pls help me out - for those not having been in the equatorial countries, how many of you know how does a pineapple plant look like?! Without googling it!? ]
I AM HAPPY! VERY, VERY BLESSED!
Mystery of my garbage.
Ghana, which is many ways is one of the most developed countries in Africa and has loads to offer and we can learn from it a lot, is also in a region that is less developed in terms of community development and social care. For example, issues like equal access to education and medical services. Similar like it is in Latvia, the medical and educational institutions are not equally spread though the country to be equally accessible for everyone in the population.
This country of 20 million people consist of 10 regions, where the Southern Regions are much more populated and, therefore, also much more advance. History this factor is explained with the fact that the south has the access to the very rich ocean, which provides the food for people.
Ghana being less developed, it also have some serious issues when it comes to garbage and littering as such. Every road side is used as urinal and hardly ever one can find a garbage can on the street side. [And it has nothing to do with bombing like it is in UK and public spaces.] So instead people drop the litter on the ground, just like that. And when that is combined with the amount of plastic used for things, heat and dust coming from the dirt roads... it can be overwhelming. Dirty.
This was my impression of Ghana, as I had only seen the South Coast cities, including the 2 million Accra. Big was my surprise this past weekend, when I found myself in Kumasi - a city 4h from Accra inland. It was cleaner than Accra, I even saw multiple signs saying- KEEP KUMASI CLEAN. As well as I was explained that the local Cheap aka King makes every month's 3rd Saturday the clean up day and everyone cleans up the area. I find that fascinating - both for any country and especially for Africa. Look for yourself:
As for the general every day waste at home - I asked my land lady where does it go, she just pointed at the basket by the door and told me to put the garbage there and then the house-boy [a male that lives in our garage and is only seen after dark and very early in the morning, cause his day-time work is somewhere else...and in exchange for the boarding he tidies around the house and the house too.] will take care of it! Mystery of my garbage should be solved some time soon! hehehe
This country of 20 million people consist of 10 regions, where the Southern Regions are much more populated and, therefore, also much more advance. History this factor is explained with the fact that the south has the access to the very rich ocean, which provides the food for people.
Ghana being less developed, it also have some serious issues when it comes to garbage and littering as such. Every road side is used as urinal and hardly ever one can find a garbage can on the street side. [And it has nothing to do with bombing like it is in UK and public spaces.] So instead people drop the litter on the ground, just like that. And when that is combined with the amount of plastic used for things, heat and dust coming from the dirt roads... it can be overwhelming. Dirty.
 |
| Typical side street in Accra [also with the goats] |
As for the general every day waste at home - I asked my land lady where does it go, she just pointed at the basket by the door and told me to put the garbage there and then the house-boy [a male that lives in our garage and is only seen after dark and very early in the morning, cause his day-time work is somewhere else...and in exchange for the boarding he tidies around the house and the house too.] will take care of it! Mystery of my garbage should be solved some time soon! hehehe
Monday 11 October 2010
Shop in style in Ghana.
There are various ways to shop in Ghana. One was already described in my previous post - shopping in a Western-style supermarket in the Mall. The other two options will be discussed in this blog entry.
My favorite - MARKET SHOPPING.
There are various markets in the town, the one near by my home is the Kaneshi Market that consists of a 3 story building and houses everything from raw meat, fish, grain, spices, vegetables and fruit on the first floor, toiletries, plates, electrical devices, can foods etc. on the 2nd floor and clothing on the 3rd floor. As you wonder through the many stalls there, very rarely will you find that you are looking for straight away. Just ask! The golden rule of ASKING QUESTIONS and you will very soon find the needle in the straw pale.
Past weekend I was looking for a cloth/material in Kumasi market [see a video] which is the biggest market in West Africa - luckily I had a guide with me, who got me to the needed area in no time, so my visit was short and aim was completed in less than an hour [You have no idea how hard it is to choose a material for a dress!!!!]
The 3rd way of shopping, and this one is most unique for me, is the street shopping! As a pedestrian you will pass by many street sellers and ladies carrying goods on their heads. For examples, juice or shoes, but nothing is limited. Depending on the area you are in and the target auditorium, one can find shirts, shoes and ties being sold by the street vendors. They will also move around between the cars in the traffic jams, so you do not even need to leave your car and can combine the shopping with being stuck in traffic! [Note to myself: If I ever become a head of a city in Latvia, this should be implemented in the busy Riga streets in the traffic hours!]
My favorite - MARKET SHOPPING.
There are various markets in the town, the one near by my home is the Kaneshi Market that consists of a 3 story building and houses everything from raw meat, fish, grain, spices, vegetables and fruit on the first floor, toiletries, plates, electrical devices, can foods etc. on the 2nd floor and clothing on the 3rd floor. As you wonder through the many stalls there, very rarely will you find that you are looking for straight away. Just ask! The golden rule of ASKING QUESTIONS and you will very soon find the needle in the straw pale.
Past weekend I was looking for a cloth/material in Kumasi market [see a video] which is the biggest market in West Africa - luckily I had a guide with me, who got me to the needed area in no time, so my visit was short and aim was completed in less than an hour [You have no idea how hard it is to choose a material for a dress!!!!]The 3rd way of shopping, and this one is most unique for me, is the street shopping! As a pedestrian you will pass by many street sellers and ladies carrying goods on their heads. For examples, juice or shoes, but nothing is limited. Depending on the area you are in and the target auditorium, one can find shirts, shoes and ties being sold by the street vendors. They will also move around between the cars in the traffic jams, so you do not even need to leave your car and can combine the shopping with being stuck in traffic! [Note to myself: If I ever become a head of a city in Latvia, this should be implemented in the busy Riga streets in the traffic hours!]Wednesday 6 October 2010
Surreal Ghana moments.
One morning, two mornings, three mornings....many mornings AND I am still smiling and happily enjoying Ghana! The joy, when I see blue sky and sun outside my window and in my room, as soon as I open my eyes, gives me power for the hours to come that day!
And then the smiles and positive attention I get from the locals... charges me up! And the genuine love that my new friends show for me, is a killer. I already feel like at home and it has only been about 10 days since I am here. CRAZY, nah!?
Since my house still doesn't have net and I am lazy to go to the office most days, many things stay untold. I will try to catch up and tell you some of the past days' episodes.
Episode 1: Ediite and the shopping mall
On Sunday my dear friend B took me to the local Mall, as my other friend Akua has told that things in the Shoprite are cheaper and you tend to find everything there! No high expectations, but in my mind I was thinking something along the lines of '1 Pound shop'. HUGE was my surprised when we entered BIG, LIT UP supermarket that had fruit stalls, milk products, meats... frozen goods... I lost it! heheh I was so shocked that I partly lost my speech and just started running between the aisles. I filled up the basket even before I got to look at my list.... heheh Luckily in these cases SEINE men-friends are handy and can speak some sense into me. heheh Rarely, but this time B won! I got back to list and got real with what I want and can afford with the cash I had on me. BUT I will go back! :)
Episode 2 : Exploring city with 'OBRUNIS'.
On Tuesday morning I met Jonathan and Louisa, a British couple that I occasionally stumble upon every other night, they are film makers and sort of in my position - also looking for a job and way to stay in Ghana for longer. So we arranged to meet at British Council to read some UK papers, since there no longer is a library at least a paper for the last weekend to go through. One thing lead to another - we got invitations to attend the British Alumni dinner this Friday! :) Lets see how that goes!
The same day - we came across the National Theater. Both me and Louisa hiked up the stairs in desperate interest to find teh box office and events listing, when all we found was an angry guard who wanted to charge us 1cd for seeing the theater, and pointed at an A4 page glued on the wall that had some events listed and labeled as 22/10 - drama - auditorium! hehehe
Our next excitement was a park. Children's park - as the sign said. We were so happy to have finally found a park in the city! Excited of the semi green grass, wondering why the place is empty. Soon to find out by some man that we should not be there and it is closed all days except on Saturdays. And despite the fact that it is a gov. owned public park, it is still not for public. Go and wonder!?
Finally we discovered a research library just to find out that the latest book is from 1995.... :) Go research in Ghana! :)
And then the smiles and positive attention I get from the locals... charges me up! And the genuine love that my new friends show for me, is a killer. I already feel like at home and it has only been about 10 days since I am here. CRAZY, nah!?
Since my house still doesn't have net and I am lazy to go to the office most days, many things stay untold. I will try to catch up and tell you some of the past days' episodes.
Episode 1: Ediite and the shopping mall
On Sunday my dear friend B took me to the local Mall, as my other friend Akua has told that things in the Shoprite are cheaper and you tend to find everything there! No high expectations, but in my mind I was thinking something along the lines of '1 Pound shop'. HUGE was my surprised when we entered BIG, LIT UP supermarket that had fruit stalls, milk products, meats... frozen goods... I lost it! heheh I was so shocked that I partly lost my speech and just started running between the aisles. I filled up the basket even before I got to look at my list.... heheh Luckily in these cases SEINE men-friends are handy and can speak some sense into me. heheh Rarely, but this time B won! I got back to list and got real with what I want and can afford with the cash I had on me. BUT I will go back! :)
Episode 2 : Exploring city with 'OBRUNIS'.
On Tuesday morning I met Jonathan and Louisa, a British couple that I occasionally stumble upon every other night, they are film makers and sort of in my position - also looking for a job and way to stay in Ghana for longer. So we arranged to meet at British Council to read some UK papers, since there no longer is a library at least a paper for the last weekend to go through. One thing lead to another - we got invitations to attend the British Alumni dinner this Friday! :) Lets see how that goes!
The same day - we came across the National Theater. Both me and Louisa hiked up the stairs in desperate interest to find teh box office and events listing, when all we found was an angry guard who wanted to charge us 1cd for seeing the theater, and pointed at an A4 page glued on the wall that had some events listed and labeled as 22/10 - drama - auditorium! hehehe
 |
| Children's Park in Accra |
Finally we discovered a research library just to find out that the latest book is from 1995.... :) Go research in Ghana! :)
Tuesday 5 October 2010
Somewhere a bad day...
There is no link between the 'bad day' and Ghana apart from the fact that I am in Ghana, once I found out about the bad news that are due to find my future track a bit.
Just today I found out that initial project which was also a reason and excuse why I moved here, was not approved. Thus means that I shall find a new excuse to extend my stay here and make it worth while.
And even if these were supposed to be bad news, I pitted myself for 2 hours and then decided to move on. After all - if one door closes, another opens!!!! And here in Ghana, it seems that not only one will open, but many more!
'Chin up!' as my dad tends to say!
Just today I found out that initial project which was also a reason and excuse why I moved here, was not approved. Thus means that I shall find a new excuse to extend my stay here and make it worth while.
And even if these were supposed to be bad news, I pitted myself for 2 hours and then decided to move on. After all - if one door closes, another opens!!!! And here in Ghana, it seems that not only one will open, but many more!
'Chin up!' as my dad tends to say!
Monday 4 October 2010
Paradise only 40min away from my home.
It has been a few days without and update and I think 27mins that are left for me to use the net might not be enough. So many things have happened in the past 3 days...somebody should start to write a book about the whole thing.
But everything shall be explained in Ghanaian style chaotic order. :)
After a hestic week, trying to feed my way around this 2 mil big city [after all this one city equals the amount of people living in my entire country, so there is a lot to cover in just few days], trying to find where things are, how to get there and what are the prices for things, I escaped to Krokrobite beach for the weekend in search of peace and ocean breeze.
After struggling for about 45mintues to find the right tro tro, I sat down to munch on my take away lunch and wait for the van to get full so that we can set off for the village. It took some 40mins to get there and I was proud that I recognized the path how to get there and was surprised of how much information our brain actually notices and stores, and then used uses it in the right moment. Of-course my idea of peace and quite was far from what I experienced on the beach, since it was full with people living their lives there, approaching 'obrunis' and even trying to sell things. I was polite the 1st seller, but told off the other two and finally moved up in the porch with the ocean view and some sofas... It is my new paradise, where nobody bothers you. It is just me, breeze, ocean in front of me, book and which ever drink I have bough at the bar. I spent most of my weekend up in the there and finished yet another book [ my 2nd in the last 8 days].
Since I am not all that posh, I stayed at the dorm, which turned out to be a mat with mosquito net over it in a...room, well wouldn't call it that way, another porch, perhaps, under the palm trees. Lovely. All I could wish for and there is nothing better than waking up at 6am and seeing the blue sky through the palm leaves over you and realizing - YEAH, I am living this. I am in Ghana!!!
There were few British volunteers and an Ozzie girl staying in the dorm too, so very soon we made friends and I had someone to have lunch with. One of the boys from the crowd, 22 y.o. Samuel, was a copy of my Ozzy ex in youth...The laughter - wrinkles around his eyes, thick eye brows and the way he moved his lips... I couldnt take eyes off from him. Just was so strange to return in the past...
But everything shall be explained in Ghanaian style chaotic order. :)
After a hestic week, trying to feed my way around this 2 mil big city [after all this one city equals the amount of people living in my entire country, so there is a lot to cover in just few days], trying to find where things are, how to get there and what are the prices for things, I escaped to Krokrobite beach for the weekend in search of peace and ocean breeze.
After struggling for about 45mintues to find the right tro tro, I sat down to munch on my take away lunch and wait for the van to get full so that we can set off for the village. It took some 40mins to get there and I was proud that I recognized the path how to get there and was surprised of how much information our brain actually notices and stores, and then used uses it in the right moment. Of-course my idea of peace and quite was far from what I experienced on the beach, since it was full with people living their lives there, approaching 'obrunis' and even trying to sell things. I was polite the 1st seller, but told off the other two and finally moved up in the porch with the ocean view and some sofas... It is my new paradise, where nobody bothers you. It is just me, breeze, ocean in front of me, book and which ever drink I have bough at the bar. I spent most of my weekend up in the there and finished yet another book [ my 2nd in the last 8 days].
Since I am not all that posh, I stayed at the dorm, which turned out to be a mat with mosquito net over it in a...room, well wouldn't call it that way, another porch, perhaps, under the palm trees. Lovely. All I could wish for and there is nothing better than waking up at 6am and seeing the blue sky through the palm leaves over you and realizing - YEAH, I am living this. I am in Ghana!!!
There were few British volunteers and an Ozzie girl staying in the dorm too, so very soon we made friends and I had someone to have lunch with. One of the boys from the crowd, 22 y.o. Samuel, was a copy of my Ozzy ex in youth...The laughter - wrinkles around his eyes, thick eye brows and the way he moved his lips... I couldnt take eyes off from him. Just was so strange to return in the past...
Thursday 30 September 2010
High life in the official town.
The area where the [my] office is called Adabraka and the sign also says - OFFICIAL TOWN, cause that is where many offices are and official representatives are based at. It is sort of like the City in London. And today I joined the forces in the official town and am enjoying the AC room and buzz that goes around the office.
Currently I am ready to scream out loud - MY LIFE IS WONDERFUL! :) Listen to this and say that you do not feel at least a little bit like that : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__HQGvSqZ5I.
I moved to my new place today, cant wait to go and get some house essentials today, such as, mosquito net, new curtains, bed linen, washing liquid for my clothes... house shopping! YEIII YEII! :)
And I keep meeting new people - the British couple, Jhonatan and Louisa, very nice and fun to be around, seems like today will the 3rd night in row that we are attending the same event. About to go for lunch with an American-Ghaninian girl and just met a Costarican in the office.... lalalalala
Off to lunch. Will report shortly on the food! :)
PART 2 [latter on today] : after spending a day in the office with MANY locals, it is just amazing! Of course things do not get done here, as there is such a buzz going on all the time. People coming and going, using the office as their wifi center, which is not bad... but when some people use skype here, some watch vidoes, sleep and eat in the same room, it becomes a little bit remote from the term 'office'.
I mean, I like the environment for me as a newcomer, very welcoming, yet I can see that it might be a bit less fruitful as it would be in any other setting. Nevertheless, I am new and my judgment might be/is very wrong, the time will say!
Off to Alliance Frances for a kick - ass concert tonight! Party-outfit shall be worn and whiskey - coke shall be consumed before going there! heheh
Currently I am ready to scream out loud - MY LIFE IS WONDERFUL! :) Listen to this and say that you do not feel at least a little bit like that : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__HQGvSqZ5I.
I moved to my new place today, cant wait to go and get some house essentials today, such as, mosquito net, new curtains, bed linen, washing liquid for my clothes... house shopping! YEIII YEII! :)
And I keep meeting new people - the British couple, Jhonatan and Louisa, very nice and fun to be around, seems like today will the 3rd night in row that we are attending the same event. About to go for lunch with an American-Ghaninian girl and just met a Costarican in the office.... lalalalala
Off to lunch. Will report shortly on the food! :)
PART 2 [latter on today] : after spending a day in the office with MANY locals, it is just amazing! Of course things do not get done here, as there is such a buzz going on all the time. People coming and going, using the office as their wifi center, which is not bad... but when some people use skype here, some watch vidoes, sleep and eat in the same room, it becomes a little bit remote from the term 'office'.
I mean, I like the environment for me as a newcomer, very welcoming, yet I can see that it might be a bit less fruitful as it would be in any other setting. Nevertheless, I am new and my judgment might be/is very wrong, the time will say!
Off to Alliance Frances for a kick - ass concert tonight! Party-outfit shall be worn and whiskey - coke shall be consumed before going there! heheh
Wednesday 29 September 2010
Cultural differences. Lesson 1.
As it turns out, when someone tells you that you have gained weight, it is actually a BIG compliment here in Ghana! Meaning that your obviously has gone up and you are living it good. A cultural difference that got me a bit shocked and I was glad that I was explained it letter on in the day by Akua. This came from a girl in the office that I dont really know that well, but still if I wasnt explained it, I am sure I would have had a bad second impression of her and would look at her as rude and possibly think that she has a problem with me, which I did after she made this comment just after a min of seeing me! heheh
Otherwise, today was interesting in the sense that I took tro tro totally on my own and to new places, that involved me getting a bit more lost, yet I must say that going back home ran as smooth as for locals! I just need to do the route once to know the way! I am a fast learner! :)
Oh, and tonight I was at this totally outstanding Jazz Concert. It was AMAIZING, under stars, green grass under my feet, lovely people all around and a music that sounds like a fairy tale. Hard to discribe. It was African Music Project and they join together different music styles and instruments making up a magical sound. [see the link for my video - sorry, still learning! :) ]
Tuesday 28 September 2010
Day 4 and I am at the Expat party.
How unusual for me, to find myself at an expat environment so soon after the arrival to a new country. Nevertheless, I must say, it is also understandable, meeting looking to meet new people despite of their origin, as there is no doubt I will ever be able to be Ghanaian. I tried to convince some people in Spain about the fact that I am Asturias, but for that matter I should really work on my accent a lot more.
The even was nice, met some cool people, exchanged some numbers and I am sure I will meet many more of them here. Like for example tonight, going to Allicance Francai for Jazz concert! :)
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| Lambadi Beach |
Gosh, need to get going...almost noon already! Bucket shower - DONE! e-mails sent - DONE! breakfast snack - DONE! book read - DONE!
Note to myself: call Big Millys abd the weekend!
Monday 27 September 2010
Keneshi Police station - my new landmark!
I am moving to the next level of adapting to the local culture quite fast. Today I learned two new signs/hang gestures that symbolizes the direction of where to the tro tro or shared taxi is going to. Also connected dots and realized that to get between Henry's and Akua's house is easier, I would just have to walk up a dark/safe street for about 5 minutes! Right from the Keneshi Police station to the North Keneshi round about! ;) And I also discovered a nice bar next to my new home, which, funny enough is called the BIG BOSS! A lovely place and my plan is to make friends with the waiters so that I get double shot for the price of one! heheh
It is so great, when things start to make sense. When prices are local rather than a price, which makes no sense to you! As part of my education today, I went to a local market with another CSer and this place was local, I mean it [Nima Market]. Definitely no obrunis [white people] and the dirt mixed with food, chaos and crowd... GOSH, what an experience! After walking behind and betweens some stools, we came to a dead end kiosk area, where the meat was sold. I was aware of the fact that I shouldn't perhaps enter it, but I thought it might put me off from eating meat for a while... well, I do looked at my piece of chicken for dinner and wonder if it also came from the same place!
Do you about the health inspection and sanitary rules when it comes to food!? Well, my mom sort of teaches that and sets up these rules in Latvia... so I grew up in a very sterile household [I know, my former flat doesnt prove that thou heheh]. So here it was.. the raw meat just like that lying on a table that has been used as a chop board for decades and sure hasnt seen any water. So day to day the wooden table is being filled up with meat juices and blood, adding some heat and mosquitoes... WHAT A SCENE!
Tomorrow is beach time for sure! :)
Note to myself : palavi souce - me like it, red red = beans with rice, banana price - 3-4 per 50ps, papaya 1cs.
Life works it mysterious ways.
Episode 1: Just when I was wondering what am I really doing here in Ghana, pastor Mensa Otabil wrote on his Monday FB update:
Episode 2: someone kept screaming 'Hello?! Hello?!' and I was wondering who and why is doing it. Till I come to realize that it is a lady selling fruits passing the house and getting people's attention! Just like the ice-cream machine in USA with its horn/jingles! :)
Episode 3: being the girly girl I am at times, it is a challenge to live without a mirror and trying to rinse my curly hair in a bucket! Don't get me wrong - there is water and there are two hands, so there is a way - just a new challenge that I am yet to overcome and learn to use TV screen as a mirror substitute and just plunge my head in a bucket to rise my hair! [ create that image in your mind :) ]
Episode 4: tell me it is not Business Class couchsurfing experience, having to wake up and see a constant smile on the host's face, getting freshly made coffee in a French press!!!!! [ a rare thing here in Ghana, so you should consider yourself EXTREMELY happy to come across one here! ], being spoiled by being given the entire double bed and fan going on most of the day! What else could I wish for?! Thank you, Henry! [ ps. I know you will be reading this at some point! hehehe ]
Note to my-self: DO check the shower, it actually works! :)
'' YOU’RE A CHILD OF DESTINY. You’re not here by accident; you’re here by ASSIGNMENT. Your conception, birth and life are part of a DIVINE NARRATIVE. You’re NECESSARY. You’re NEEDED. The world needs YOUR DREAMS…YOUR WISDOM…YOUR GIFTS. Don’t bury your talent. Don’t allow critics to shut you down. Stir yourself up. IT’S YOUR TIME. It’s your DESTINY. Divine grace and favour be on you. TOUCH THE WORLD WITH YOUR BRILLIANCE! ''As I said, God works in his mysterious ways! :) I am child of Destiny.
Episode 2: someone kept screaming 'Hello?! Hello?!' and I was wondering who and why is doing it. Till I come to realize that it is a lady selling fruits passing the house and getting people's attention! Just like the ice-cream machine in USA with its horn/jingles! :)
Episode 3: being the girly girl I am at times, it is a challenge to live without a mirror and trying to rinse my curly hair in a bucket! Don't get me wrong - there is water and there are two hands, so there is a way - just a new challenge that I am yet to overcome and learn to use TV screen as a mirror substitute and just plunge my head in a bucket to rise my hair! [ create that image in your mind :) ]
Episode 4: tell me it is not Business Class couchsurfing experience, having to wake up and see a constant smile on the host's face, getting freshly made coffee in a French press!!!!! [ a rare thing here in Ghana, so you should consider yourself EXTREMELY happy to come across one here! ], being spoiled by being given the entire double bed and fan going on most of the day! What else could I wish for?! Thank you, Henry! [ ps. I know you will be reading this at some point! hehehe ]
Note to my-self: DO check the shower, it actually works! :)
My first tro tro ride.
The absoulte benifit of staying with CSers aka the locals, is that you get to experience more local life in one day than 2 weeks being in country with an organisation, work on as a tourist! At 9am, in order to change money on a Sunday morning, we hit down to the Circle [a big roundabout that has grown into a city's central landmark, since all the public transport meet there]. And me knowing that Henry wouldnt mind, instead of taxi we took tro tro! Gosh, I was surprised that thing actually could move, let alone get us to the destination. The entire wall I sat by, felt like might fall off any moment! Thou the ride is about 35 usa cents and magically gets peoples to places! So if locals can do it every day, so can I! :)
The same day, I also learned how to use shared taxi and that it is as cheap as tro tro in some cases, and one must wait when all 4 seats are taken before the driver takes off! :)
After exchanging some money, I went to meet my new-best-friend Akua, who is just a sunshine! I was so excited to meet here, felt like before a blind date with a hot guy! hehe :P She sure will be twisting my stay in Ghana quite a lot and you will be hearing about here soon!
Oh, and FOOOOOOOOOOOD: I got the ground nut [peanuts] soup with rice balls, ate with my right hand only and coped with the spices in the food like a pro! My first meal was at a nice side street off from Oxford st., in a placed called Duncan's bar. And the price - once again - pleasantly surprising, only 2cs = 1,5$. Not bad, ah!?
Note to myself : try the Palm Vine! Mango season is starting in November. You are staying at Shara Rd 1st stop.... :P Akua lives near by Coco Clinic, North Kaneshi. Lambadi beach costs 1CS on weekdays and 5SC on weekends. Kakrobite is only 45mins from Kaneshi with a bus!
The same day, I also learned how to use shared taxi and that it is as cheap as tro tro in some cases, and one must wait when all 4 seats are taken before the driver takes off! :)
After exchanging some money, I went to meet my new-best-friend Akua, who is just a sunshine! I was so excited to meet here, felt like before a blind date with a hot guy! hehe :P She sure will be twisting my stay in Ghana quite a lot and you will be hearing about here soon!
Oh, and FOOOOOOOOOOOD: I got the ground nut [peanuts] soup with rice balls, ate with my right hand only and coped with the spices in the food like a pro! My first meal was at a nice side street off from Oxford st., in a placed called Duncan's bar. And the price - once again - pleasantly surprising, only 2cs = 1,5$. Not bad, ah!?
Note to myself : try the Palm Vine! Mango season is starting in November. You are staying at Shara Rd 1st stop.... :P Akua lives near by Coco Clinic, North Kaneshi. Lambadi beach costs 1CS on weekdays and 5SC on weekends. Kakrobite is only 45mins from Kaneshi with a bus!
Sunday 26 September 2010
Do it the in the Business class! aka arrival in Ghana
It's technically already day two, since its past midnight and I just had my first bucket shower, and now sitting in a room with a fan in my PJ anticipating for morning to come and actually be in Ghana! :) I am back to bucket showers, water from plastic bags, fans and ACs, roads that do not look like roads most of the time and always having two things with me - misquote repellent and sun screen!
This is what I wanted, waited for last 6 months and planned the past two. I am in GHANA, can you believe it!? Still do not really know what I will be doing here, what will come out of it and where will it all take me! However, the arrival day sure has already been fun! :)
In London, on the way to the airport, with way too many bags to carry [ two backpack + huge purse with PC in it] on my shoulders, I lost my tube ticket and was worried that I might have to pay something to actually get out of the tube. Thou it once again proved that God is on my side and by simply explaining the situation to the youngest, cutest guards at the airport tube station, I got through! Luck on my side. Next I was upset that I had spent all my coins and have nothing for the push-cart, and would have to carry the bags all the way to the drop - off area. And it turns out that in the Terminal 5 - trolleys are for free! Good luck again.
The biggest joy was anticipating me in the flight! Having got a seat right in between two nice guys, I didnt even mind being seated in the middle [ those who have flown with me, would know my obsession for ALWAYS picking front and aisle]. Nevertheless, our TVs didnt work. For none of us. The black guy on side sort of imposed that something is being done about it and so we were boosted up to the Business class! YUPII!!! It is not every day that you get to fly in Business class between continents. And I must say - it felt niiiiice! :)
This is what I wanted, waited for last 6 months and planned the past two. I am in GHANA, can you believe it!? Still do not really know what I will be doing here, what will come out of it and where will it all take me! However, the arrival day sure has already been fun! :)
In London, on the way to the airport, with way too many bags to carry [ two backpack + huge purse with PC in it] on my shoulders, I lost my tube ticket and was worried that I might have to pay something to actually get out of the tube. Thou it once again proved that God is on my side and by simply explaining the situation to the youngest, cutest guards at the airport tube station, I got through! Luck on my side. Next I was upset that I had spent all my coins and have nothing for the push-cart, and would have to carry the bags all the way to the drop - off area. And it turns out that in the Terminal 5 - trolleys are for free! Good luck again.
The biggest joy was anticipating me in the flight! Having got a seat right in between two nice guys, I didnt even mind being seated in the middle [ those who have flown with me, would know my obsession for ALWAYS picking front and aisle]. Nevertheless, our TVs didnt work. For none of us. The black guy on side sort of imposed that something is being done about it and so we were boosted up to the Business class! YUPII!!! It is not every day that you get to fly in Business class between continents. And I must say - it felt niiiiice! :)
Saturday 25 September 2010
LonDON, baby!
I am spending my last night in Europe, more precise - London! Gosh, what a week! If every week will be like that, I am sure I will need another holiday after these 6 months! heheh London is amazing. The OPTIONS, the change and adventure you can have!
Ok, appart from all the positive things, it is also very packed, rushed and crowded. A place that makes me tired too fast, yet I could see myself living in a smaller UK town not thus far from London, doing a work that doesnt require getting on to the tube and walking in the crowd.
Apart from me absolutely enjoying LND and time here, there is a stupidity I would like to report. A. Abusing the Free Bar at the company's party on Wednesday lead to some BAD hang over and some bad decisions, never the less also brought some new phone nr to my phone [ wink, wink].
B. Me almost missing the flight to Ghana, since I was convinced that I am leaving from Gatwick, but only today,when I briefly looked at my flight info and saw a thing like - Terminal 5- and locked it in my mind, latter on however thinking that Gatwick doesnt have so many terminals and after checking it out, I am due to leave from Heathrow! Gosh, what an idiot! heheh
Off to Ghana in almost just 12 h!!! Excited, high on life and meeting up with Annie [ my ex-housemate from Hull times] and vine!!! Last night in Europe - shall I sleep at all!?
LOVE LIFE!!! :)
Ok, appart from all the positive things, it is also very packed, rushed and crowded. A place that makes me tired too fast, yet I could see myself living in a smaller UK town not thus far from London, doing a work that doesnt require getting on to the tube and walking in the crowd.
Apart from me absolutely enjoying LND and time here, there is a stupidity I would like to report. A. Abusing the Free Bar at the company's party on Wednesday lead to some BAD hang over and some bad decisions, never the less also brought some new phone nr to my phone [ wink, wink].
B. Me almost missing the flight to Ghana, since I was convinced that I am leaving from Gatwick, but only today,when I briefly looked at my flight info and saw a thing like - Terminal 5- and locked it in my mind, latter on however thinking that Gatwick doesnt have so many terminals and after checking it out, I am due to leave from Heathrow! Gosh, what an idiot! heheh
Off to Ghana in almost just 12 h!!! Excited, high on life and meeting up with Annie [ my ex-housemate from Hull times] and vine!!! Last night in Europe - shall I sleep at all!?
LOVE LIFE!!! :)
Tuesday 21 September 2010
Visa issue.
Woke up early from a random call from a stranger at 6:30am this morning and my every attempt to fall asleep was ruined by the animals in the garden. London can be green and Swiss Cottage/Belsize Park area sure has some green back yards, one of which was right behind my window.
Gluten-free porage [ note to myself : get some from LND to take with you to ACC, will remind you of home] and a cold orange - perfect breakfast with my ozzie friend Dean! And then... Ghana High Comission in London, which is located in a very nice are of the city. Green, quite and residential. Walking around there, could imagine myself living in thie hestic, crazy city.
Yet, spending 7h on the feet now and last 5h spent in the city centre, gosh - i need to escape London!!! :)
Anyways, back to the visa issue: THE EMBASSY WAS CLOSED and the fun part is that NONE of my GH friends had mentioned that today is a national holiday, their 1st president's Kwame Nkrumah's birthday. I am sure that some people would panic, think that its the end of the life. Instead, I smiled at the sun, and a man next to me smiled at me. I will just go back tomorrow and try to get the visa tomorrow, there isnt much I can do about a closed embassy! :)
And the man walked with me, we spoke and went out for a morning coffee at McDonalds. And it is not every day you meet a Ghaninian who has studied in Moscow and speaks Russian. And his kindness, smile and emotional inteligence reminded me of the many reasons why I have chosen to move to Ghana!
Off I go in 4 day! yeiiiiiiiiiiii
Gluten-free porage [ note to myself : get some from LND to take with you to ACC, will remind you of home] and a cold orange - perfect breakfast with my ozzie friend Dean! And then... Ghana High Comission in London, which is located in a very nice are of the city. Green, quite and residential. Walking around there, could imagine myself living in thie hestic, crazy city.
Yet, spending 7h on the feet now and last 5h spent in the city centre, gosh - i need to escape London!!! :)
Anyways, back to the visa issue: THE EMBASSY WAS CLOSED and the fun part is that NONE of my GH friends had mentioned that today is a national holiday, their 1st president's Kwame Nkrumah's birthday. I am sure that some people would panic, think that its the end of the life. Instead, I smiled at the sun, and a man next to me smiled at me. I will just go back tomorrow and try to get the visa tomorrow, there isnt much I can do about a closed embassy! :)
And the man walked with me, we spoke and went out for a morning coffee at McDonalds. And it is not every day you meet a Ghaninian who has studied in Moscow and speaks Russian. And his kindness, smile and emotional inteligence reminded me of the many reasons why I have chosen to move to Ghana!
Off I go in 4 day! yeiiiiiiiiiiii
Saturday 18 September 2010
i think i'm in love.
You know that weird feeling when you have met someone you click after the first line and you just know that it will work out great. The so called '90sec rule'. Well, I think I met one of those today! : D
She send me msg over CS and just after glancing at her style of writing and then also reading her profile, I knew - thats my girl! She is like Ghanaian version of me, at least so sounds her profile and msg! I am IN LOVE with her, and can already imagine myself partying with her and having late Sunday breakfast, where we cover the previous day's happenings and encounters. Ma gal! heheh
I am so happy, that I am feeling like flying off to Ghana now, just to meet her in person and start doing all the fun things that two girls would do on a Saturday night!
She send me msg over CS and just after glancing at her style of writing and then also reading her profile, I knew - thats my girl! She is like Ghanaian version of me, at least so sounds her profile and msg! I am IN LOVE with her, and can already imagine myself partying with her and having late Sunday breakfast, where we cover the previous day's happenings and encounters. Ma gal! heheh
I am so happy, that I am feeling like flying off to Ghana now, just to meet her in person and start doing all the fun things that two girls would do on a Saturday night!
Sunday 12 September 2010
African culture!?
Today, once researching on the Ubuntu idiology and academical research carried out in African continent I had stumbled upon terms like 'African identity' and 'African culture', which to me seem as broad as the Pacific Ocean. I mean, is there even such thing as 'African culture'?! Can a Kenyan link himself with a Moroccan?! Do they have a lot in common?!
The issue of common 'African identity' was linked with the post-colonial issue of self, but if such is the case, then similar identity could also be applied to the Caribbeans and Indians!?! Dont social sciences need any borders at all?! Can everything really be so broad?!
The issue of common 'African identity' was linked with the post-colonial issue of self, but if such is the case, then similar identity could also be applied to the Caribbeans and Indians!?! Dont social sciences need any borders at all?! Can everything really be so broad?!
Saturday 11 September 2010
Two weeks to go. [This goes to all my friends-House Godesses]
Today is September 11 and nine years ago I was in USA, just grasping enough English not to understand what has happened until latter in the afternoon, when I was back home after school and my host mom explicitly explained what has happened. The magic words were 'The country is closed!'
Nine years latter, I am sitting in one of the most harmonious places I can think of - my Mom's beach house's kitchen, just lit a fire in the own, since it is quite chilly already. Another autumn has come unexpectedly fast and all I want to do is to bake muffins and make stews from the Julia Child's cook book. Autumn leaves have started to fill our yard and life today seems so far away from life in Ghana.
I will, once again, have to put aside my love for perfectionism and home sensation in the terms of having a lovely homemade meal, proper vine glasses and room that resembles holly home-feeling. And this is ok, cause traveling and moving to a new and exciting place is done for the sake of not getting bored of the home feeling and regular life, it is to feed my inner nomad and learn new recipes, new cultures, new believes and brake my own perceptions of how does a house look like.
I just realized that Julia Child did have the life I might be longing for - a diplomat's wife with the freedom to discover the local culture and have a purpose for her life. And yet, doubt that I would ever be the perfect stay-at-home-by-the-stow wife, mainly cause there is so much more to see and do outside the home! You need to leave to want to come back. I am leaving in exactly 9 days.
Nine years latter, I am sitting in one of the most harmonious places I can think of - my Mom's beach house's kitchen, just lit a fire in the own, since it is quite chilly already. Another autumn has come unexpectedly fast and all I want to do is to bake muffins and make stews from the Julia Child's cook book. Autumn leaves have started to fill our yard and life today seems so far away from life in Ghana.
I will, once again, have to put aside my love for perfectionism and home sensation in the terms of having a lovely homemade meal, proper vine glasses and room that resembles holly home-feeling. And this is ok, cause traveling and moving to a new and exciting place is done for the sake of not getting bored of the home feeling and regular life, it is to feed my inner nomad and learn new recipes, new cultures, new believes and brake my own perceptions of how does a house look like.
I just realized that Julia Child did have the life I might be longing for - a diplomat's wife with the freedom to discover the local culture and have a purpose for her life. And yet, doubt that I would ever be the perfect stay-at-home-by-the-stow wife, mainly cause there is so much more to see and do outside the home! You need to leave to want to come back. I am leaving in exactly 9 days.
Sunday 15 August 2010
Beaches to see in Ghana?!
I have been researching on beached to see and visit in Ghana, as I am a bit of a sea-ocean freak. Water is my element and I just love spending time in it, next to it, looking at it! :) So it would be hard to miss out on beaches in Ghana.
Axim Beach, further in the West is also known as a great place to be at!
Oh, and paraglading in the Kwahmu mountains could be something I might like to do, as well as swimming in the Wli waterfall!http://valerielabi.wordpress.com/
Bosua Beach is known for its good swell, that is good for a surf spot. Its abt and 2h from Cape Coast. Near by towns - TAKORADI, PRINCES TOWN. Place to stay in the Bosua Beach - http://www.busuainn.com/.
Alternatively, could also rest my head here : http://www.ezilebay.com/english/location.htm
Axim Beach, further in the West is also known as a great place to be at!
Oh, and paraglading in the Kwahmu mountains could be something I might like to do, as well as swimming in the Wli waterfall!http://valerielabi.wordpress.com/
Tuesday 10 August 2010
Still going strong.
puhh, has been a while since last wrote something here. It was not intentional, simply got cough up in work and travels and my preparation for moving to Ghana turned simply into thinking about it once in a while.
I have been back in Latvia now for couple of weeks and am doing my research a bit better than I did it before, nevertheless, it is still all up in the air and I believe that I will just...go with the flow.
I have got as far as I have bought a ticket to London to get my visa and this week,as soon as I will get my new credit card, I will get my tickets to fly to Ghana.
I have been back in Latvia now for couple of weeks and am doing my research a bit better than I did it before, nevertheless, it is still all up in the air and I believe that I will just...go with the flow.
I have got as far as I have bought a ticket to London to get my visa and this week,as soon as I will get my new credit card, I will get my tickets to fly to Ghana.
Wednesday 26 May 2010
98 more days to go.
My target date for the flight to Ghana is September 1st, cause I have a celebration to attend there. And yet, I am being realistic, that it might be a bit too straight fwd shoot, since I am only back from Vienna on the 29th. But it is all possible with me! :0
Currently I am in a state, where the idea of Ghana is the only thing that keeps me going through the pails of work and endless reports, projects and other things! The sun, the excitement, the challenge - mental challenge! I need it!
Currently I am in a state, where the idea of Ghana is the only thing that keeps me going through the pails of work and endless reports, projects and other things! The sun, the excitement, the challenge - mental challenge! I need it!
Thursday 20 May 2010
How is it done?!
I have quite few friends that have traveler around the world with less or more money for a longer period of time. Some that have moved to London with 70 Euros in their pockets and one back - pack, some that went hick hiking one day in the morning and came home 3 months latter - all happy and full with stories.
And yet I am a bit scared about the financial issues - of the whole adventure, how much is enough to move to Ghana and feel safe?! Currently I am going just with my confidence that it will all work out for the best and I will not stay on the street on my own, which is a good start!
Either way I am happy and am trying to save as much as I can, not losing my own life and little treats in it!
Off to work. Bye.
And yet I am a bit scared about the financial issues - of the whole adventure, how much is enough to move to Ghana and feel safe?! Currently I am going just with my confidence that it will all work out for the best and I will not stay on the street on my own, which is a good start!
Either way I am happy and am trying to save as much as I can, not losing my own life and little treats in it!
Off to work. Bye.
Monday 17 May 2010
Stress Nr1. Not because of Ghana, but for it.
It has been a couple of weeks since I am writing a project to sponsor my stay in Ghana and as much as I am motivated and interested in it to work out, but today I wanted to cry. Powerless/Energy-less...it is midnight - so many things to do, final weeks of school and A PROJECT to write! I can do it, I CAN, but it hurts to give up my beauty-sleep for it! I seriously hope it will pay back! IT HAS TO! :)
Sunday 16 May 2010
Shoots for the adventure
Step on - went to see my Dr on Friday and did all the blood tests so that I can start to do all the shoots for the different country. Hopefully will start that on Wednesday!
Got the Yellow fever shoot in February, before my 1st visit to Ghana, now need to get both Hephaestus A&B and few more. Just to be on the safe side!
Got the Yellow fever shoot in February, before my 1st visit to Ghana, now need to get both Hephaestus A&B and few more. Just to be on the safe side!
108 days to go aka Spring 2010
Today, on a sunny May day, when I should be correcting final drafts and tests of my students, I am sitting my purple world and am daydreaming about Ghana, as I often do!
I am in my final run of the two year graduate program I just did, have worked in average 50-60h a week as an English language teacher, studies in the grad program and did some additional projects to earn according to my living standards. Currently I feel like I deserve a rest and mental challenge - truly believe that Ghana is the right place for it! To recharge my mental state and knowledge about the world, to get inspired for future and practice my goal setting skills! :)
I am in my final run of the two year graduate program I just did, have worked in average 50-60h a week as an English language teacher, studies in the grad program and did some additional projects to earn according to my living standards. Currently I feel like I deserve a rest and mental challenge - truly believe that Ghana is the right place for it! To recharge my mental state and knowledge about the world, to get inspired for future and practice my goal setting skills! :)
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